Chapter 49: Race Against Death

The corridors trembled under the blasts.

Each explosion brought the complex closer to total collapse.

Mayu ran, her breath short, her heart beating at a frantic pace.

Behind her, Mayu Zero followed effortlessly.

They didn't speak.

They didn't need to.

Their objective was clear: escape before it was too late.

But obstacles kept rising in their path.

A whole section of the ceiling collapsed in front of them in a burst of metal and flames.

Mayu stopped dead, retreating from the searing heat.

— Damn it!

She scanned the surroundings.

They needed another exit.

Mayu Zero, however, did not waste any time.

She turned her head, analyzing the situation in a fraction of a second…

Then grabbed Mayu by the arm.

— This way!

Without waiting for a response, she pulled her into a side corridor.

The place was narrower, darker… but still intact.

Their only chance.

Mayu gritted her teeth and increased her speed.

They plunged into the passage, zigzagging between torn ducts and debris.

The ground vibrated beneath their feet.

The air was becoming increasingly unbreathable.

But they kept moving forward.

— How much longer? Mayu hissed between breaths.

— One minute… maybe two.

That wasn't enough.

A deep rumble echoed behind them.

Mayu glanced back and felt her blood run cold.

A wave of flames was racing toward them, engulfing everything in its path.

— Faster!

They lunged forward, forcing their bodies beyond their limits.

The exit was getting closer…

A metal door slightly ajar.

The burning breath of the flames was already brushing against them.

They dove through the opening.

And at that moment…

The explosion propelled them into the void.